Former coach James Franklin was Vanderbilt's top earner

Former Vanderbilt head football coach James Franklin easily outearned all others at the university during the last fiscal year, according to recently filed tax returns.

According to the school's 990 tax form for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013, Franklin collected $2.9 million in salary and benefits. Franklin's salary at his new coaching job at Penn State is $4.5 million.

A 990 form is a return that certain organizations exempt from federal taxes must file with the IRS.

The second-highest total at Vanderbilt went to woman's head basketball coach Melanie Balcomb, at a little over $2.2 million. Men's basketball coach Kevin Stallings had $2.2 million in salary and benefits.

Vanderbilt Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos earned $1.33 million, according to the return, while the vice chancellor for health, Jeffrey Balser earned $1.5 million. Zeppos' total included a $72,900 incentive bonus, while Balser, head of the university's medical school, got a $27,891 bonus.

Both Balser and Zeppos had their pay boosted from the prior year, when Zeppos earned $1.2 million and Balser $1.3 million.

Reach Walter F. Roche Jr. at 615-259-8086.